Does anyone know if there's some rhyme or reason to the compact camera names, such as SXxxx (with and without an HS suffix) or Axxxx or Sxx? Different target markets? Different key features? Or is it just a bunch of random letters?

Does anyone know if there's some rhyme or reason to the compact camera names, such as SXxxx (with and without an HS suffix) or Axxxx or Sxx? Different target markets? Different key features? Or is it just a bunch of random letters?

From Wikipedia:

A series: "Easy and Fun" budget cameras ranging from point-and-shoot to prosumer camerasD series: waterproof, freeze- and shock-resistantE series: design-oriented budget camerasG series: flagship cameras with advanced featuresS/SD series (also known as PowerShot Digital ELPH, Digital IXUS and IXY Digital): "Performance and Style" ultracompact point-and-shoot camerasS/SX series: ultra-zoom camerasS series: originally a series of compact point-and-shoot cameras, currently a series of prosumer cameras slotting beneath the G series

<p>However, weâ€™re told Canon is more interested in getting production up to 100% before announcing new EOS products.</p>

That makes a lot of sense. The 8-15mm fish eye has only just started hitting retailers. It would be a major embarrassment (not to mentioned a huge commercial disaster) for Canon to announce new products which they cannot actually bring into the market.

It would be bad for Canon to start creating loads of hype if they cannot fill the shelves.

It appears that the impact of the earthquake and tsunami may have been far more serious than a lot of us realise. It would be interesting to know how far the likes of Canon and Nikon are on the road back to recovery.

However, weâ€™re told Canon is more interested in getting production up to 100% before announcing new EOS products.

Told by whom? Sorry, but I'm afraid the head of Canon's camera division, Masaya Maeda, disagrees. In early July, he told Reuters that, "Canon's production of cameras finally returned to pre-quake levels at the end of June."

PaulRivers

However, weâ€™re told Canon is more interested in getting production up to 100% before announcing new EOS products.

Told by whom? Sorry, but I'm afraid the head of Canon's camera division, Masaya Maeda, disagrees. In early July, he told Reuters that, "Canon's production of cameras finally returned to pre-quake levels at the end of June."

When I read it I assume they meant they want to get production of the specific new model up to 100% before announcing it. Like when the 60d came out they announced it, then it was "officially available", but it was actually very hard to get your hands on one until about 6 months after that. Amazon, bh photo, etc would either say they were out of stock or be selling them through some 3rd party (who often jacked the price up).